Shock crossed Simone’s face. She folded her arms, dropped her eyes to the floor, and pursed her lips before mumbling, “I’m sorry.”
“Raise your head, look at your mother, and apologize loud enough,” Malcolm demanded.
Olivia widened her eyes, surprised at Malcolm disciplining Simone. He always left it up to her when they all lived underneath the same roof. She guessed he learned something when forced upon him.
Reluctance made Simone’s head seem too heavy to lift. “I’m sorry,” she repeated and shifted her focus away.
Simone had grown into a spitting image of her mother. She also had the same temperament. Not a good thing, Olivia surmised.
“Apology accepted, Simone,” Olivia said. Unspoken pain shouted from her daughter’s eyes. A soulless shell emerged from the depths of her pupils.
Olivia noticed Mariah glaring at her from the chair where she sat. “What are you looking at?” She snapped at Mariah.
Mariah leaned against the back of the chair in her struggle to stand. “Don’t speak to me like you’re crazy when you are in my house.”
“This ain’t even a house. It’s a nasty excuse for a home.” Olivia glowered at her.
“Don’t make me kick you out of here,” Mariah threatened. “Or better yet, sic the dogs on you.”
“I wish you would try to make me leave. Watch how fast I roll your Weeble Wobble self onto the floor. I’ll make sure you fall and stay there.” Olivia balled her fist and stomped a foot toward Mariah.
“Olivia stop it. Don’t forget she’s pregnant. You can’t knock her to the floor. Mariah, go to the bedroom. You two stop acting like this in front of the kids,” Malcolm warned, jumping between the women.
Olivia forgot the kids were watching everything going on. Christian’s eyes were wide with surprise. Simone’s dull expression appeared to show she’d received confirmation of her mother’s bad temper. Olivia cleared her throat and loosened her stance before taking a step back from Mariah.
“Go to the room? Why are you telling me what to do Malcolm? I live here and she doesn’t. She needs to leave,” Mariah whined.
“Honey. We need to chat with the kids. I’m asking you to go to the room. Please.” Malcolm softened his tone although he kept enough firmness to let her know there was no room for negotiation.
Mariah sniffled and glared at Olivia. She turned and shuffled in her overrun slippers to their bedroom. The slamming of the door shook the thin-walled apartment.
THIRTEEN
Olivia
Malcolm turned off the blaring TV, which further calmed the chaotic apartment. “Let’s have a seat at the kitchen table.” He appeared embarrassed as he transferred dishes to the countertop to clear space. “Christian, grab a dishrag, and wipe off the table.”
“Why do I have to do it?” Christian whined. “I did it last time.”
“Because I said so. Hurry up. We don’t have all day,” Malcolm ordered.
Christian flopped to the kitchen sink and picked up a rag. He halfway wiped the table before tossing the cloth back into the sink.
“Uh-uh. Christian, you know you need to do a better job than that. Get the dishrag again and do it right,” Olivia scolded.
“Aww, Mom.” Christian grabbed the rag and cleaned the table again.
“Much better,” Olivia said.
“Olivia, please have a seat. Kids, come sit at the table. We have some things we need to discuss with you.” Malcolm lowered himself into a chair and waited for the rest of them to join him.
Olivia slid out the chair next to Malcolm. The kids sulked to the other two seats. Simone studied her hands as if pursuing an obvious avoidance of eye contact.
“Are you two getting back together?” Christian’s face lit with the hope of a positive response to his question.
“No, baby. We aren’t getting back together,” Olivia said. She darted her eyes at Malcolm to indicate her disgust with him.
“Aww. I want us to be a family again,” Christian replied with such sadness, his words cried.
“Don’t be stupid, Christian,” Simone snarled. “You know we’re going to have a new mom now.”
“Christian is not stupid, Simone,” Malcolm snapped.
“And Mariah will only be your stepmother. I’ll always be your mom.” Olivia jumped in to protect her position.
“Yeah, whateva,” Simone mumbled below her breath.
“Excuse me?” Heat rose on the back of Olivia’s neck. “You’d better stop mumbling, young lady. Whether you’re angry with me or not, I will always be your mother. Do you understand me? Look at me and answer my question, Simone.”
“Yes, ma’am,” Simone responded in a low voice.
“Look. Kids. We know our separation has been difficult for both of you. We aren’t getting back together. You’ll be glad to know I have good news.” Malcolm’s top lip began sweating.
“What is it, Dad? Stop keeping us in suspense.” Oblivious to the crisis at hand, Christian bounced in his seat.
“Okay. We’re moving to Miami, Florida.” Malcolm announced as if they’d won a trip on a game show.
“Moving to Miami?” Simone screeched with a bewildered look on her face. “You can’t be serious, Dad.”
“Yay. We’re moving to Florida.” Christian jumped up and down. His smile radiated his excitement. “Disney World is there, right?”
“Yes, in Orlando. It’s not too far from Miami. Yes, Simone. I’m serious,” Malcolm responded.
“No. I don’t want to move away from San Antonio,” Simone pleaded. “Dad, I want to stay here. I’m beginning to make new friends again. You’re going to ruin my life forever.”
“Simone. Stop being dramatic. Your life will be fine,” Malcolm replied. “You’ll make new friends again.”
“But, why? We’re fine where we are.” Simone’s bottom lip trembled as she often did to hold back from crying. She slumped in the chair with folded arms.
“Settle down. Here’s the deal.” Malcolm paused and took a deep breath. “Mariah and I decided it’s best for us to all move to Miami. We need to be there with her other kids and sick mother. You’ll get to meet your new brothers and sister.”
“Mom. Are you moving to Florida with us, too?” Christian asked with optimism.
“No, baby. I’ll be staying in
